Kudzu Root (Pueraria lobata)

The Kudzu plant has many medicinal properties and is one of the earliest medicinal plants used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Kudzu has been used as a traditional treatment for stiff neck, headache, muscle tension and neurological conditions. Chemicals in Kudzu may also lower the heart rate and regulate it's rhythm, as well as widen the blood vessels near the heart and the brain. This may support its uses in heart conditions and migraine headaches. It is used to treat tinnitus, vertigo, Bell's palsy and Wei syndrome (paralysis/muscular atrophy), among other illnesses. Kudzu herbal supplement has been used for swelling in joints, due to its anti-inflammatory agent. It has also provided relief in swelling in the eyes of people with glaucoma. Other uses for this herbal extract are a cough, colds and other viral infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, measles, fevers, snake and insect bites, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal ailments, enteritis, constipation, removal of excess fluids from the body, digestive disorders, bad breath, sinus problems, anemia, internal bleeding, thirst, hunger, lack of energy, muscle shrinking, diaphoretic, strengthen the spleen, stomach and intestines, sexual apathy, impotence, infertility, asthma, diabetes and dizziness. Chinese physicians have relied on it for over 2000 years to reduce alcohol abuse, relieve respiratory problems and counteract poisons.

The isoflavone called puerarin is found only in Kudzu, and it appears to have the strongest beneficial effect on the health. Preliminary evidence suggests that puerarin may improve insulin resistance, which precedes type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Research has indicated it may be helpful for managing metabolic syndrome, and according to the National Institute of Health, metabolic syndrome. A metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors linked to being overweight or obese, as well as it increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems such as diabetes and stroke. It normalizes blood pressure, lowers high cholesterol and stabilizes blood glucose. It improves microcirculation, which may play a positive therapeutic role in diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Other evidence suggests that puerarin may reduce blood viscosity, improve microcirculation and play a positive role in diabetic retinopathy. This herb has shown value in treating migraines and cluster headaches. It is also used to treat tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, skin numbness, Wei syndrome and other neurological disorders. In one clinical trial, it was used to treat sudden nerve deafness. In 2009 a study was done of people who had reported using Kudzu to treat cluster headaches, researchers determined that Kudzu liquid herbal extract may help decrease the frequency, duration, and intensity of attacks, with minimal side effects. Apart from curing the headaches, it also increases mental awareness and function.

Other studies have shown that Kudzu can reduce both hangovers and alcohol cravings, and for the organs affected by alcohol. A person who takes Kudzu will still drink alcohol, but they will consume less than if they had not taken Kudzu. This may be of help for heavy drinkers or alcoholics. Kudzu extracts have been used for 1000's of years to treat alcoholism. Two compounds found in Kudzu appear to change the enzymes that break down alcohol in the liver. Harvard Medical School is studying Kudzu as a possible way to treat alcoholic cravings, by turning an extracted compound from the herb into a medical drug. According to the research, not only did the Kudzu extract help remove the initial strong cravings for alcohol but in most people removed all desire whatsoever during a four-week treatment. This is something that could be extremely helpful to the many people who are suffering from alcoholism today and have seemingly tried every option out there. It is used to detoxify the liver, particularly after generous consumption of alcohol. Today, Kudzu is being investigated as a potential treatment for curbing addictive behavior, including smoking.

Traditionally, Chinese physicians called Kudzu a sweet, cooling tonic herb that increases perspiration and reduces fever. You may not be concerned about alcoholism, but for the flu, this is clearly helpful in its ability to regulate body temperatures as well as to relieve the headaches. Traditionally herbalists have valued the starch content in Kudzu as a way to soothe minor digestive system problems and gastrointestinal discomforts such as heartburn, acid indigestion, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, gas, colitis, dysentery, gastritis, nausea, and vomiting. Since some flu victims suffer from diarrhea and other digestive issues, this is one herbal extract to consider. It is said to treat feverish illnesses, sore throats, tonsillitis, colds and other viral infections. The herb is also thought to remedy general respiratory problems, lung congestion, and coughing.

Kudzu may be helpful in the treatment of congestive heart failure and heart attack. Kudzu appears to help blood flow through the coronary arteries, lower blood pressure and improve circulation, and one compound in Kudzu seems to reduce a racing pulse induced by stress. Puerarin or Kudzu Root may prove to be a strong complement to existing medications for insulin regulation or blood pressure. However, consult your health provider as they may be able to lower dosages of such drugs, making them more tolerable and cheaper.

Vitamin A and D are highly presented in Kudzu, as well as calcium and proteins. Kudzu root extract was proven by studies to have 100 times the antioxidant activity of Vitamin E. The root also contains a big number of useful isoflavones which act as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents.

For some women, the estrogenic activity of Kudzu can provide welcome relief from menopausal symptoms, minus many of the risks associated with traditional estrogen therapy. Clinical trials suggest that Kudzu may improve symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats in perimenopausal women and cognitive function in postmenopausal women. The vitamin and mineral content of Kudzu may help to decrease bone loss after menopause.

Kudzu has chemicals that work with friendly bacteria in the digestive tract that change into an estrogen-like compound called daidzein which binds cells that ordinarily would be activated by estrogen, locking out estrogen from activator sites on breast cancer cells without stimulating the cancer cells to reproduce. It also eases the discomfort of fibrocystic breast disease. This particular herbal supplement has great healing effects and it is quite beneficial for nursing mothers as it helps enhance milk secretion.

This herbal remedy is used to cure skin complications that lead to discoloration of the skin. Through including Kudzu tincture in your diet regularly, it rejuvenates the skin while increasing the glow and fairness. It is also recommended for recurrences of shingles, genital herpes, and cold sores.

Kudzu contains several ingredients well known for supporting proper hair health and they include biotin and folic acid. These hair regenerative properties are very beneficial in encouraging hair growth. Since Kudzu is rich in vitamins and proteins, it assists in restoring as well as moisturizing damaged hair back to its original good condition.

Kudzu is actually an effective aphrodisiac and a general stimulant. It revitalizes the male reproductive system while increasing both the quantity and quality of semen. This leads to an increased sperm count and mobility.

Kudzu is used to help counteract poisons, including snake bites and alcohol poisoning.

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Contraindications: Kudzu is believed to be safe; however, safety in young children, pregnant and nursing women, or those with severe kidney or liver disease, is not known.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.